Edgelit Lighting Fixture and Assembly

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein are directed to a lighting fixture including a lightguide that distributes light from a major surface, a light assembly including light sources arranged linearly, and a frame including a means for providing a force that urges the light assembly against an edge of the lightguide. A standoff or spacer can provide an air gap between a light source of the light assembly and the waveguide edge. In various embodiments, the lighting fixture may incorporate a spring, a spring finger, a spring clip, a screw, or other means for securing the light assembly against the edge of the lightguide. In this manner, substantially all light provided by the light assembly is emitted into the edge of the lightguide. The fixture is formed to accommodate tolerances among elements of the lighting fixture, while maintaining the light assembly securely against the edge of the lightguide.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Patent application Ser. No. 13/788,827, titled “Edgelit Lighting Fixtureand Assembly,” and filed on Mar. 7, 2013, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Number 61/723,587 filed Nov. 7, 2012 inthe name of James H. Blessit, Russ Clements, and Ellis W. Patrick andentitled “Edgelit Lighting Fixture and Assembly,” the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to lighting fixtures and,more particularly, to assembly solutions for an edgelit lightingfixture.

BACKGROUND

With greater adoption of Light Emitting Diode (LED) light sources inlighting fixtures, new lighting fixtures have begun incorporatingalternative means for casting, distributing, and reflecting light ascompared to conventional fixtures. In turn, new assembly considerationsneed to be taken into account for new lighting fixtures, such as edgelitlighting fixtures. On one hand, low tolerances and loose fits facilitateeconomical manufacturing and service; but on the other hand, hightolerances and tight fits promote optical efficiency and visual appeal.Addressing such competing objectives represents a need in the art. Inthis representative context, embodiments described herein relate toassembly solutions for lighting fixtures, including edgelit fixtures.

SUMMARY

A lighting system can comprise a lightguide that receives, guides, anddistributes light. In certain embodiments, the lightguide can comprise asubstantially piece of optical material that may be rectangular, square,circular, triangular, or some other appropriate shape or geometric form.The piece of optical material can be flat, slightly curved, or haveanother appropriate profile or geometry. The lightguide can be mountedto a frame. A light source can couple light into one or more edges ofthe lightguide. The coupled light can propagate in the lightguide andemit from a major surface of the lightguide, thereby distributing andspreading the light. The lightguide and/or the frame can be sized toprovide dimensional tolerance. For example, the frame can have anopening for accepting the lightguide, with the opening somewhat largerthan the lightguide. One or more elements can take up, mitigate, orotherwise compensate for the dimensional tolerance and promote efficienttransfer of light between the light source and the lightguide. Forexample, a screw, spring, finger, clip, or other appropriate member canurge the light source and the edge of the lightguide together. Urgingthe light source and the edge of the lightguide together can comprisemoving or pressing the light source, moving or pressing the lightguide,or moving or pressing the light source and the lightguide, for example.The member that does the urging can be located near the edge of thelightguide that receives the light, near another edge of the lightguide,in or at a corner, or at some other appropriate location.

The foregoing discussion of lighting systems is for illustrativepurposes only. Various aspects of the present technology may be moreclearly understood and appreciated from a review of the followingdetailed description of the disclosed embodiments and by reference tothe drawings and the claims that follow. Moreover, other aspects,systems, methods, features, advantages, and objects will become apparentto one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawingsand detailed description. It is intended that all such aspects, systems,methods, features, advantages, and objects are to be included withinthis description, are to be within the scope of the present technology,and are to be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Reference will be made below to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of certain elements of a lighting fixtureaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a section of a frame of the lightingfixture illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the frame of the lighting fixtureillustrated in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the frame of the lighting fixtureillustrated in FIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of a frame of a lighting fixtureaccording to another example embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of a frame of a lighting fixtureaccording to another example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an end view cross-section view of a lighting fixture accordingto another example embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a cross-section view of a framing portion of the lightingfixture illustrated in FIG. 6 according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 7B is another cross-section view of a framing portion of thelighting fixture illustrated in FIG. 6 according to an exampleembodiment.

Many aspects of the technology can be better understood with referenceto these drawings. The elements and features shown in the drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of exemplary embodiments of thepresent technology. Moreover, certain dimensions may be exaggerated tohelp visually convey such principles. In the drawings, referencenumerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical,elements throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

A lighting system can comprise components that are dimensioned toprovide ample tolerance that facilitates economical fabrication,assembly, installation, and service while achieving visual appeal,durability, and optical efficiency. The lighting system can comprise alight source and an element that receives, transmits, and emits lightproduced by the light source. In certain embodiments, the light sourcecomprises one or more LEDs. In certain embodiments, the element thatreceives, transmits, and emits light comprises a lightguide, for examplea lightguide having a generally planar format. The light source and theelement can be urged together within the lighting system in a mannerthat takes up, mitigates, or otherwise compensates for the tolerance. Invarious example embodiments, the urging can come from one or morescrews, springs, clips, pins, bands, elastomeric or rubber materials, orother appropriate means that is available.

The present technology can be embodied in many different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technologyto those having ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, all “examples”or “exemplary embodiments” given herein are intended to be non-limitingand among others supported by representations of the present technology.

Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of certainelements of a lighting fixture 10 according to an example embodiment.Among other elements, the lighting fixture 10 comprises a backing tray400, a reflector 300, a lightguide 200, a light source assembly 202, anda frame 100.

In operation, the lighting fixture 10 can illuminate an area by emittinglight that reflects off the reflector 300 outward from a major surface281 of the lightguide 200. The lighting fixture 10 may be installed as adrop-in panel of a suspended ceiling, recessed in a wall or ceiling, ormounted to a surface of a wall or ceiling, for example.

Light from the light source assembly 202 on the side 291 of the lightingfixture 10 transmits into an edge of the lightguide 200 and scatters,distributes, and/or reflects off the reflector 300, and emits from amajor surface of the lightguide 200. More specifically, the coupledlight from the light source assembly 202 propagates towards the oppositeside 293 of the fixture 10, guided by total internal reflections off theflat major surfaces 281, 282 of the lightguide 200. Portions of thelight incident on the flat major surfaces 281, 282 transmit throughthose surfaces 281, 282. Light transmitting through the major surface281 is distributed to an area to be lit, for example a room. Lighttransmitting through the major surface 282 is directed back into thelightguide 200 by the reflector 300, for ultimate emission through themajor surface 281.

In certain embodiments, the reflector 300 comprises a mirror orspecularly reflective surface. In certain embodiments, the reflector 300comprises a diffusely reflective surface such as a surface coated withflat white paint. In certain embodiments, the reflector 300 is facetedor comprises a surface relief pattern other features that promotereflection.

In one embodiment, the lighting fixture 10 includes one light source,the light source assembly 202, assembled along only one side 291 of theframe 100. Other embodiments may include additional light sourcessimilar, substantially identical, or equivalent to the light sourceassembly 202 along any one, any two, or all three other sides 292, 293,294 of the frame 100.

In various embodiments, the lighting fixture 10 may vary in shape andsize. For example, although the lighting fixture 10 illustrated in FIG.1 is nearly square in shape, lighting fixtures of triangular, square,rectangular, polygonal, circular, or other appropriate shapes are withinthe scope and spirit of the embodiments described herein. The lightingfixture 10 may be formed from various types of suitable materials. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the frame 100 is formed from a plastic orpolymer material, and the lightguide 200 is formed from a plastic,polymer, acrylic, glass, or other suitable material and may includereinforcements such as glass.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light source assembly 202 and asection of the frame 100 of the lighting fixture 10 according to anexample embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the light source assembly202 includes a bracket 210 and a light source 220. The bracket 210 maybe formed, for example, from aluminum, or another metal or metal alloymaterial suitable for the application, or alternatively from appropriatefiberglass or composite materials. The light source 220 is mounted oraffixed to the bracket 210 using screws, snaps, adhesives, or any othersuitable means for the application. The bracket 210 supports the lightsource 220 and also acts as a heat sink to disperse heat from the lightsource 220 via conduction and/or convection. In certain embodiments, thebracket 210 may comprise heat dissipating fins for thermal management.

The light source 220 may comprise a rigid printed circuit board (PCB)including electrical circuit traces that electrically couple variouscomponents such as LEDs 222 and resistors, for example. In exemplaryembodiments, the LEDs 222 comprise surface mount LEDs that are generallymounted to the PCB at even or regular intervals in a substantiallystraight line. Alternatively, the LEDs may be irregularly or randomlyspaced. In certain embodiments, the light source 220 may include aflexible-type (e.g., tape) circuit in place of a rigid PCB.

As also illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame 100 comprises a plurality ofspring fingers 102, a plurality of light assembly seats 104, and aplurality of mount posts 106. As described in further detail below, thespring fingers 102 maintain a position of the light source assembly 202against an edge of the lightguide 200, when the lighting fixture 10 isfully assembled. The spring fingers 102 are a type of spring. Eachspring finger 102 can be molded at respective position on the frame 100to provide a nominal interference with the bracket 210 of the lightsource assembly 202 when assembled, causing the light source assembly202 to be pressed or compressed against the edge of the lightguide 200.In various embodiments, the spring fingers 102 are provided in pairs asillustrated in FIG. 2, and a pair of spring fingers 102 may be formed ateven intervals, such as every 12 or 24 inches, along the frame 100. Incertain embodiments, the spring fingers 102 are located at irregular orrandom intervals. In certain embodiments, the spring fingers 102 arefastened, welded, glued, or otherwise attached to the main body of theframe 100. In some embodiments, the spring fingers 102 and the main bodyof the frame 100 are of like material composition. Alternatively, thespring fingers 102 and the frame 100 may be made of different materials,for example one of steel and the other of fiberglass.

The term “spring finger,” as used herein, generally refers to aprojection that recovers its position after being bent. The term “springfingers” is a plural form of “spring finger.”

The term “spring,” as used herein as a noun, generally refers to anelastic element that recovers its original shape when released afterbeing distorted. The term “springs,” as used herein as a noun, is theplural form of “spring.”

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, an “elastic” solidis one that is capable of recovering size and shape after deformation.

The mount posts 106 provide a means for assembling the frame 100 withother elements, such as the light source assembly 202, of the lightingfixture 10. In certain embodiments, the mount posts 106 include athreaded hole to accept a screw for securing the frame 100 to the otherelements of the lighting fixture 10.

To assist with alignment and positioning of the light source assembly202 with the frame 100, each light assembly seat 104 includes a notch105. When the light source assembly 202 is assembled with the frame 100,the light source assembly 202 rests against the light assembly seats104. When seated upon the lighting assembly seats 104, the light sourceassembly 202 is provided a limited range of motion in the direction “A”,as illustrated. The actual position of the light source assembly 202 onthe light assembly seats 104 will vary based on the manufacturingtolerances of the frame 100 and the lightguide 200, for example, asdescribed below. The range of motion accommodates increasedmanufacturing tolerance, facilitates assembly during manufacturing, andpromotes field service--thereby improving economics on multipledimensions. Additionally, the system provides tighter joints for bettervisual appearance and for optical efficiency.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the frame 100 of the lightingfixture 10 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates thelight source assembly 202 when assembled with the frame 100 as discussedabove (i.e., seated upon the light assembly seats 104). As can be seenin FIG. 3, once assembled, the light source 220 is aligned and securedin a position against an edge 250 of the lightguide 200. This alignmentpermits substantially all light from the light source assembly 202 to beemitted into the edge 250 of the lightguide 200.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of the frame 100 of the lighting fixture10 according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 4, the arrangement of thebracket 210, the light source 220, the LEDs 222 and the spring fingers102 is illustrated. Particularly, it is noted that the spring fingers102 are aligned to press against a back surface of the bracket 210,providing a spring force in the direction “A” toward the edge 250 of thelightguide 200. The bracket 210 and the light source 220 rest upon thelight assembly seats 104, and an edge of the bracket 210 and an edge ofthe light source 220 occupy or fit within the notch 105. In thisposition, the light source assembly 202 is able to shift or slide in thedirection “A” based on the spring force provided by the spring fingers102, until resting against the edge 250 of the lightguide 200.

In certain embodiments, the LEDs 222 contact the edge 250 of thelightguide 200. In certain embodiments, the LEDs 222 are separated fromthe edge 250 of the lightguide 200 by a gap or standoff distance. Incertain embodiments, the light source assembly 202 rests against theedge 250 of the lightguide 200 in a position with a nominal clearance“X” between the LEDs 222 and the edge 250 of the lightguide 200. Theclearance “X” may be due to one or more elements mounted to the PCB ofthe light source 220 that are larger than the LEDs 222. That is, incertain embodiments, the light source 220 includes elements other thanthe LEDs 222, such as surface mount chip resistors, or one or more shimsor spacers, mounted to the PCB of the light source 220. These elementsmay provide a gap, in the form of the nominal clearance “X,” between theLEDs 222 and the edge 250 of the lightguide 200. Specifically, theseelements may be greater in certain dimensions as compared to the LEDs222 and contact the edge of the lightguide 200—resulting in theclearance “X” between the LEDs 222 and the edge 250 of the lightguide200. In certain embodiments, the nominal clearance “X” comprises anintentional standoff of predetermined dimension.

It is noted that, based on the nominal interference between the lightsource assembly 202 and the spring fingers 102 when assembled, certaintolerances among the elements of the lighting fixture 10 may beaccommodated. That is, certain manufacturing tolerances of thelightguide 200, the frame 100, the light source assembly 202, and otherelements may be accommodated. For example, if the lightguide 200 variesfor each lighting fixture 10 due to manufacturing tolerances of thelightguide 200, then the spring fingers 102, in connection with thelight assembly seats 104, permit the light source assembly 202 to shifta certain distance and rest in a secured position against the edge 250of the lightguide 200. Similarly, if manufacturing tolerances of theframe 100 cause certain frames to be slightly larger or smaller orwarped, the spring fingers 102 ensure that the light source assembly 202is secured against the edge 250 of the lightguide 200. Additionally, thenominal clearance “X” may be maintained between the light source 220 andthe edge 250 of the lightguide 200 regardless of variances in the sizeof the lightguide 200 and/or the frame 100.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section view of a frame of a lighting fixtureaccording to another example embodiment. The frame 100A illustrated inFIG. 5A serves a purpose similar to the frame 100 of FIG. 1 but isformed in a different cross sectional shape and, perhaps, from adifferent material (e.g., from extruded aluminum). In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 5A, the light source 220 is mounted to the bracket210A. The bracket 210A serves a purpose similar to the bracket 210 butincludes three sides shown in the figure. An electrical connector 224 ofthe light source 220 is also illustrated in FIG. 5A. It is noted that,in various embodiments, the light source 220 may include the electricalconnector 224 or, in some cases, may be connected to power directlyusing conductive lead lines such as wires. In an example embodiment, theframe 100A extends peripherally about the lightguide 220, i.e. around aperimeter of the lightguide 220.

Rather than using the spring finger 102 as discussed above withreference to FIGS. 1-4, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A reliesupon the set screw 500 to ensure that the light source 220 and the LEDs222 mounted to the light source 220 are secured against the edge 250 ofthe lightguide 200. In various embodiments, the frame 100A may includeone, two, or more set screws 500 along a side. It is noted that, whilethe spring fingers 102 are formed to automatically provide a springforce upon assembly, the set screw 500 in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5A is generally adjusted after initial assembly to provide adesired amount of travel and force to secure the light source 220against the edge 250 of the lightguide 200. The set screw 200, or someother threaded element, can be advanced via manual or automated turning.The spring fingers 102 discussed above and the set screw 500 representtwo example embodiments for urging the light source 220 and thelightguide 200 together.

FIG. 5B is a cross-section view of a frame of a lighting fixtureaccording to another example embodiment. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5B is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A, althoughincorporating one or more springs 510 in place of the set screws 500 toprovide force to secure the light source 220 against the edge 250 of thelightguide 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the springs 510 comprisecoils of metal wire. In various embodiments, the frame 100A may includeone, two, or more springs 510 along a side at intervals that may beregular, irregular, or random, for example. In certain embodiments, aspring in the form of a rod of synthetic rubber or some otherelastomeric member is substituted for the illustrated coil-based springs510.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a lighting fixture 60 according toanother example embodiment. The lighting fixture 60 illustrated in FIG.6 comprises two lightguides 620 aligned in an angled fashion. Thelightguides 620 extend into the page so that the lighting fixture 60 canbe considered roof-shaped. Light enters each of the lightguides at theapex of the fixture 60, flows along the lightguide plane, and exitsgradually as it flows towards the lower edges. Accordingly, the lightingfixture 60 distributes light downward, softly illuminating a workspace,living area, or elsewhere.

The lighting fixture 60 includes light assemblies 630 which are similar,in certain aspects, to the light source assembly 202 discussed above.Each light assembly 630 is positioned at an apex edge of a lightguide620. At edges of the lightguides 620 opposing the light assemblies 630,the lighting fixture 60 includes spring corners 604. The features of thespring corners 604 are further described below with reference to FIGS.7A and 7B.

FIG. 7A is a cross-section view of a framing portion of the lightingfixture 60 according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 7A, elements ofthe spring corner 604 are illustrated. In general, the spring corner 604comprises a framing section 704 and a spring clip 720, which is anotherexample embodiment of a spring. In various embodiments, the framingsection 704 may be formed from aluminum, plastic, or other suitablematerials, and the spring clip 720 may be formed from steel,shape-memory metal alloys suitable for the application, or othersuitable material or materials.

The term “spring corner,” as used herein, generally refers to a cornerin which or at which at least one spring is disposed. The term “springcorners,” as used herein, is the plural form of “spring corner.”

The term “spring clip,” as used herein, generally refers to a springthat grips, clasps, or hooks. The term “spring clips,” as used herein,is the plural form of “spring clip.”

Functionally, the spring clip 720 urges the lightguide 620 against thelight assemblies 630. As discussed above, when the lightguide 620 andthe light assemblies 630 are urged together, a gap may separate thelightguide edge from the LEDs. To provide such a gap, in addition toLEDs, a circuit board may include a standoff, in the form of a shim(made of metal or electrically nonconductive material, for example) or astandard electrical component (such as a resistor or capacitor, forexample). Alternatively, the LEDs and the light lightguide edge may bein physical contact with one another.

The framing section 704 includes a recess or void in which the springclip 720 is secured. It is noted that both the framing section 704 andthe spring clip 720 may extend a certain distance orthogonal to thedirection of the cross-section illustrated in FIG. 7A. In certainembodiments, the spring clip 720 extends orthogonally “into the page”essentially the full length of a side the fixture 60. In certainembodiments, multiple spring clips 720 are incorporated at regular,irregular, or random intervals, for example. In certain embodiments,there are four small spring clips 720, one in each corner of the frame,that apply pressure to the light guides (such that there are two springclips per lightguide).

A base 722 of the spring clip 720 is positioned within the recess of theframing section 704 so as to hinder the base 722 of the spring clip 720from rotating or moving. The spring clip 720 is formed such that the arm724 of the spring clip 720 is biased to maintain a certain angle withrespect to the base 722. When inserted into the recess of the framingsection, the arm 724 provides a force in the direction “B”, asillustrated. The spring clip 720 may act as a leaf spring it itscompression method. Before being fully assembled with the lightguide620, the arm 724 of the spring clip 720 generally rotates in thedirection B until contacting the screw 712 which prevents furthermovement. In certain embodiments, rather than contacting the screw 712contact is with the back wall, and once in contact with the back wallthe spring clip 720 compresses like a leaf spring.

FIG. 7B is another cross-section view of a framing portion of thelighting fixture 60 according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 7B, thelightguide 620 has been installed with the lighting fixture 60. Asillustrated, an edge 650 of the lightguide 620 extends into the recessof the framing section 704 and contacts the arm 724 of the spring clip720. In turn, the spring clip 720 provides a force against the edge 650in the direction B. This force results in application of a translatedforce on an opposing edge of the lightguide 620—the edge where a lightassembly 630 is mounted. In other words, the entire lightguide 620 ispushed by the spring clip 720 to secure the lightguide 620 against thelight assembly 630. This permits substantially all light from the lightassembly 630 to be emitted into the edge of the lightguide 620 andaccommodates fabrication tolerance as discussed above.

Technology for lighting systems has been described. From thedescription, it will be appreciated that an embodiment of the presenttechnology overcomes the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the present technology is not limited toany specifically discussed application or implementation and that theembodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Fromthe description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of theelements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in theart, and ways of constructing other embodiments of the presenttechnology will appear to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scopeof the present technology is to be limited only by the claims thatfollow.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A lighting system comprising: a lightguidecomprising two major surfaces and an edge formed between the two majorsurfaces, the edge comprising a first edge portion and a second edgeportion; a light source disposed adjacent the first edge portion tocouple light into the lightguide; a member that supports the lightguideand that extends along the second edge portion, the member comprising arecess; and a spring comprising: a first spring portion that is disposedin the recess; and a second spring portion that adjoins the second edgeportion and that applies spring force to the second edge portion to urgethe first edge portion towards the light source.
 22. The lighting systemof claim 21, wherein the member comprises a framing section.
 23. Thelighting system of claim 21, wherein the light source comprises an arrayof light emitting diodes.
 24. The lighting system of claim 21, furthercomprising a second lightguide, wherein the lightguide and the secondlightguide are angled relative to one another to provide an apex. 25.The lighting system of claim 21, wherein the lighting system isconfigured for recessed installation in a ceiling.
 26. The lightingsystem of claim 21, wherein the spring comprises a spring clip.
 27. Thelighting system of claim 21, wherein the spring is one of a plurality ofspring clips disposed at intervals along the second edge portion.
 28. Alighting system comprising: a lightguide comprising two major surfacesand an edge formed between the two major surfaces; a light sourcedisposed adjacent the edge to couple light into the lightguide; a memberthat supports the lightguide and extends along the edge, the membercomprising a threaded aperture; and a threaded member that is at leastpartially disposed in the threaded aperture, the threaded membercomprising an end that is oriented towards the light source so thatrotation of the threaded member advances the end to urge the lightsource towards the edge.
 29. The lighting system of claim 28, whereinthe threaded member comprises a set screw.
 30. The lighting system ofclaim 28, wherein the member comprises a frame that extends around aperimeter of the lightguide.
 31. The lighting system of claim 28,wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
 32. Thelighting system of claim 28, further comprising a second lightguide,wherein the lightguide and the second lightguide are angled relative toone another to form an apex.
 33. The lighting system of claim 28,wherein the threaded aperture is one of a plurality of threadedapertures disposed along the edge.
 34. A lighting system comprising: alightguide comprising two major surfaces and an edge formed between thetwo major surfaces; a light source disposed adjacent the edge to couplelight into the lightguide; a member that extends along the edge andcomprises a first portion that supports the lightguide and a secondportion that faces the edge; a spring that is disposed between thesecond portion of the member and the light source and that urges thelight source towards the edge.
 35. The lighting system of claim 34,wherein the light source comprises an array of light emitting diodes.36. The lighting system of claim 34, further comprising a secondlightguide, wherein the lightguide and the second lightguide are angledrelative to one another to provide an apex.
 37. The lighting system ofclaim 34, wherein the lighting system is configured for recessedinstallation in a ceiling.
 38. The lighting system of claim 34, whereinthe spring comprises a coil of metal wire.
 39. The lighting system ofclaim 34, wherein spring is one of a plurality of springs disposed atregular intervals.
 40. The lighting system of claim 34, wherein springis one of a plurality of springs disposed at irregular intervals.